Learn how to get more book reviews with our actionable tips. This guide covers advance reader teams, blogger outreach, and review platforms for authors.
You’ve written a book, and it’s ready for the world. But in a sea of millions of titles, how do you signal to readers that your book is the one they should choose? The answer is book reviews. Reviews are the single most powerful form of social proof in the publishing world. They build credibility, influence buying decisions, and are a critical factor in how online retailers like Amazon feature your book.
Getting those first few reviews, however, can feel like a monumental challenge. Many authors simply publish their book and hope for the best, only to be met with silence. A proactive approach is essential. This guide will provide you with practical, actionable strategies on how to get book reviews, from building a dedicated reader team to leveraging professional services.
Why Book Reviews Are Non-Negotiable
Before we dive into the “how,” let’s reinforce the “why.” Understanding the immense value of reviews will motivate you to make this a priority in your marketing plan.
- They Provide Social Proof: When potential buyers see that others have read and enjoyed your book, it reduces their perceived risk. A collection of positive reviews acts as a powerful endorsement, assuring new readers that your book is a worthy investment of their time and money.
- They Boost Visibility on Amazon: Amazon’s algorithm favors books with a healthy number of reviews. More reviews can lead to better visibility in search results and “also-bought” recommendations, introducing your book to a wider audience organically.
- They Increase Conversion Rates: A book with 20 reviews will almost always sell better than a book with zero reviews, even with the same amount of traffic to the page. Reviews help convert browsers into buyers.
- They Provide Valuable Feedback: Honest reviews, even the critical ones, offer valuable insights into what readers loved and what didn’t resonate. This feedback can be incredibly helpful for your growth as a writer and for marketing your current and future books.
Strategy 1: Build an Advance Reader Team
Your most powerful asset for gathering early reviews is a dedicated group of fans. An Advance Reader Team (ART), sometimes called a street team, is a group of volunteers who agree to read your book before its official release and post an honest review on launch day or shortly after.
How to Build Your Team:
- Start with Your Network: Your first members can come from your existing email list, social media followers, and even friends and family (though be mindful of Amazon’s rules about reviewing by close relations).
- Use a Sign-Up Form: Create a simple form using a service like Google Forms to collect applications. Ask potential members about their preferred genres and where they typically post reviews (e.g., Amazon, Goodreads).
- Provide Advance Reader Copies (ARCs): Send your team a digital copy of your book (e.g., via BookFunnel or a simple PDF/ePub file) a few weeks before your launch date. Make it clear that you are providing the book for free in exchange for an honest review.
- Communicate and Remind: Send a reminder email a few days before launch and another on launch day with direct links to the review pages on Amazon, Goodreads, and other retailers. Make the process as easy as possible for them.
Strategy 2: Reach Out to Book Bloggers and Influencers
Book bloggers, Bookstagrammers (on Instagram), and BookTokers (on TikTok) have built trusted platforms with dedicated followers who look to them for reading recommendations. A single positive review from the right influencer can lead to a significant spike in sales.
How to Conduct Your Outreach:
- Research Thoroughly: Find influencers who review books in your specific genre. Don’t waste your time (or theirs) by pitching your sci-fi epic to a blogger who only reads historical romance. Look for their review policy, which is often posted on their website or social media bio.
- Personalize Your Pitch: Generic, copy-pasted emails are often ignored. Address the influencer by name, mention a recent review of theirs you enjoyed, and briefly explain why you think your book would be a good fit for their audience.
Example Outreach Message:
Subject: Review Request: [Your Book Title] – A [Genre] for fans of [Comparable Author]Hi [Influencer’s Name],My name is [Your Name], and I’m a huge admirer of your blog. I especially loved your recent review of [Similar Book Title]; your insights on the character development were spot-on.I’m writing to you today because I’ve just released a new [Your Genre] novel, [Your Book Title], and I believe it would be a perfect fit for your audience. It’s a story about [brief, one-sentence pitch].Would you be open to considering it for a review? I would be happy to provide a complimentary digital or physical copy.Thank you for your time and for the wonderful work you do for the book community.Best regards,[Your Name][Link to Your Website or Book’s Sales Page]
Strategy 3: Use Professional Review Platforms
Several established platforms are designed to connect authors with a large pool of reviewers. These services can be a great way to distribute ARCs more broadly, though they often come with a fee.
- NetGalley: This is one of the most well-known platforms. Authors and publishers can list their books, and a community of book reviewers, librarians, and booksellers can request to read them. It can be pricey, but it offers significant exposure.
- Booksprout: This platform is more author-friendly and affordable. You can list your book and set a limit on the number of downloads. The platform then follows up with reviewers to remind them to post their review.
- Goodreads Giveaways: While a giveaway doesn’t guarantee reviews, it’s an excellent way to get your book onto hundreds or even thousands of “to-read” shelves. Many winners will go on to leave a review.
Strategy 4: Leverage Your Existing Readers
Don’t forget the people who have already purchased and read your book! You just need to give them a gentle nudge.
Add a “Call to Action” in Your Book
On the last page of your book, after “The End,” include a personal note thanking the reader for their time. In this note, politely ask them to consider leaving a brief, honest review. Explain that reviews make a huge difference for authors and provide a direct link to your book’s Amazon page to make it easy.
Post on Social Media
Occasionally post on your social media channels asking your followers to leave a review if they’ve read and enjoyed your book. You can create a simple graphic with a quote from your book and include the request in the caption. Remember, many people are happy to help; they just need to be asked.
How Professional Services Can Help
Securing reviews is a time-consuming but essential task. For authors who want to focus on writing, partnering with a professional service can be an effective solution. Companies like MindStir Media have established relationships and proven strategies to help authors generate the reviews they need for a successful launch.
These services can help by:
- Managing Influencer Outreach: They have curated lists of book bloggers and influencers and can manage a professional outreach campaign on your behalf.
- Facilitating Professional Reviews: They can submit your book to reputable editorial review outlets (like Kirkus Reviews, Publishers Weekly, etc.), which provide long-form, credible reviews that can be used in marketing materials.
- Strategic Guidance: They can help you build an overall marketing plan where securing reviews is a key component, ensuring you’re set up for success from day one.
A Final Word: Be Patient and Persistent
Building a solid base of reviews is a marathon, not a sprint. You will not get a “yes” from every blogger you pitch. Not every member of your ARC team will follow through. That’s okay. The key is to be persistent, professional, and patient.
Start early, be organized in your outreach, and always express gratitude for every single review you receive. By making reviews a central part of your marketing efforts, you’ll build the credibility and visibility your book needs to thrive.